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The Best Key Lime Martini Recipe

This Key Lime Martini may just be the perfect coconut and key lime juice cocktail. Not too sweet, not too sour, with just the right amount of creaminess, this tropical sipper smells divine and tastes even better!

No longer relegated to the “after-dinner drinks” category, this key lime Martini recipe is definitely one you can enjoy anytime!

Last Updated August 23, 2019

If you’ve been reading ACT for a while, you know I’m a huge fan of citrus cocktails. Well, except for Key Lime Martini’s – which is a shame! I’ve always wanted to love them – because lime and coconut? What is not to love about that combo, right?

But the few times I’ve ordered them, they’ve been way too sweet and heavy – even for an after-dinner cocktail.

So, suffice it to say, if you’d told me a few weeks ago that I’d actually be posting a key lime martini recipe, I’d have said you were crazy.

But as they say, “never say never”! After receiving a bag of gorgeous key limes I decided to give this lime and coconut cocktail another try.

And I am so glad I did – and I think you will be too!

Key Lime Martini

Sweet, creamy and sour with the unmistakable taste and fragrance of coconut!

With only 4 ingredients.

No fancy flavored vodkas or liqueurs.

Which pretty much means I can whip this up this key lime martini whenever I see key limes in my local grocery store – which is almost every week this time of year!

Key Lime Martini Ingredients

Vodka – I used plain vodka but Vanilla or Coconut Vodka would be smashing in this drink!

Key lime juice – freshly squeezed is definitely better but if all you can find is bottled, that works too!

Cream of coconut

Simple syrup

Lime wheels (optional)

Crushed graham crackers

Key Limes

So what is the deal with Key Limes? Great question! Read on for a little “primer” on Key limes!

How are Key Limes different from the limes in my grocery store?

Most limes sold in the U.S. are Persian limes, which are larger and less acidic. Key limes are small and round and contain more seeds. The juice is a bit more acidic, but the appeal of these limes is in their almost floral flavor and fragrance.

What is a key lime?

A variety of lime grown primarily in Mexico and West Indies. They were also grown in the Florida keys until they were wiped out by a hurricane in the 1920s.

Can I substitute regular lime juice for key lime juice in this recipe?

Yes you can! But if you want to match the acidity of key lime juice, add about 1/3 lemon juice. So if you need 3 Tablespoons key lime juice, you would use 2 Tablespoons lime juice and 1 Tablespoon lemon juice.

Key limes!

How to make this Key Lime Martini Recipe:

Juice the limes – if you are making these for a crowd, you can definitely juice the limes ahead of time.

Combine the lime juice, vodka, cream of coconut and simple syrup in a shaker.

Add ice and shake for 30 – 45 seconds.

Strain into a chilled cocktail glass and garnish with a lime wheel if you like.

Thirsty for more Vodka cocktail recipes?

If you enjoyed this recipe, I would LOVE for you to give it a 5-star rating! Cheers! Nancy

Key Lime Martini

Sweet, sour and with just the right amount of creaminess, this Key Lime Martini might just be the perfect lime and coconut cocktail. Made with just 4 ingredients, this is the cocktail to make when you’ve got key limes!

Ingredients

Instructions

Combine the vodka, key lime juice, cream of coconut and simple syrup in a shaker tin.

Add ice and shake for 45 seconds. Double strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a lime slice if desired.

Notes

Notes:

Vodka – a nice, smooth vodka works beautifully in this cocktail! As a huge fan of Snow Leopard vodka, I highly recommend it! If you don’t have Snow Leopard, any good quality vodka works.

Key lime juice: Fresh juice is key in this cocktail! You can juice the limes several hours before making the cocktail.

Cream of Coconut: Not to be confused with the “cream” at the top of canned coconut milk, this is a sweetened version that designed for drinks and desserts. The most common brand is Coco Lopez. I used Coco Real (which is shelf stable, woo hoo!)

Reader Interactions

Comments

Oh I so want to try this drink, Nancy! This is right up my alley. I have really been loving key limes — I didn’t know they were more acidic than the other varieties. So much good information in this post. I’m bookmarking this drink and definitely going to try it.

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SALUD, BONJOUR AND CIAO!

HI! I'm Nancy, a food obsessed cook here to tempt your tastebuds and help you explore the world of food through easy, ethnic recipes. Discover must have ingredients and useful cooking techniques... one dish at a time! Care to know more?